Digital Archive
International History Declassified

Korean War, 1950-1953

A collection of primary source documents related to the Korean War. Obtained largely from Russian archives, the documents include reports on Chinese and Soviet aid to North Korea, allegations that America used biological weapons, and the armistice. (Image, NARA, ARC 541822)

Reports the current climate on the front lines and the decision made to proceed to the next step in their operation earlier than planned. Also reports the activities that the volunteer troops intend to conduct at this time.

June 25, 1950

Report of the DPRK Ministry of Internal Affairs

A report from the North Korea Ministry of Internal Affairs on an alleged offensive carried out by South Korean forces and the official start of the Korean War.

June 26, 1950

Top Secret Report on the Military Situation in South Korea from Shtykov to Comrade Zakharov

Report from Shtykov to Zakharov detailing North Korean advances on the first day of the Korean War. Included is a list of conclusions drawn up by Shtykov regarding the conduct of Northern and Southern forces thus far.

June 27, 1950

Statement by the President, Truman on Korea

Truman's statement on the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces.

June 29, 1950

A.A. Gromyko Reports on Reception of US Ambassador Kirk

A.A. Gromyko delivers a statement on the start of the Korean War to U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union Kirk.

June 30, 1950

30 June Report of the High Command of the DPRK People's Army

A report from the Korean People's Army on events in the Korean War from June 25 through June 30, 1950.

July 01, 1950

Ciphered telegram, Stalin to Soviet Ambassador in Pyongyang Shtykov

Reply from Stalin to Shtykov's telegram of July 1, 1950. Requests additional information on KPA plans and reaction to American internvention. Informs of intent to meet requests by Kim Il Sung for additional war materiel.

Zhang Hanfu and K.M. Panikkar discuss the role of the United Nations in ending the conflict in Korea.

July 01, 1950

Ciphered telegram, Shtykov to Stalin on the Political Mood in North Korea

Telegram from Shtykov to Stalin (copied to the Soviet leadership) describing the successes of KPA forces in the South. He also relays the concern of some of the DPRK cadre regarding American intervention.

July 04, 1950

On the Return of Korean Nationals to North Korea

A Chinese Foreign Ministry report on the management of Korean nationals living in China during the Korean War.

July 04, 1950

Telegram from Shtykov to Stalin

Shtykov reports on a meeting with Kim Il Sung and Pak Heonyeong concerning requests for arms, advisers and advice on how to move troops more efficiently. Shtykov proposes resolutions and advice.

July 05, 1950

Ciphered telegram from Stalin to Zhou Enlai via Roshchin

A telegram from Stalin to Zhou Enlai with regards to India's mediation in the PRC's entry into the UN, Chinese troop movements in preparation for a possible Southern/Allied counterattack, and Soviet planes flying over Manchuria.

July 05, 1950

Telegram from Flippov to Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai

Stalin informs Mao Zedong that Chinese armed forces should be stationed on the border with North Korea as a precaution against enemy forces crossing the 38th parallel.